Daniel was born in Hong Kong in 1981 and grew up in Brisbane, Australia. Upon graduating from a Business Communications degree, he directed his first film 《Half Lit》, a neo-noir thriller about two brothers accidentally breaking into the house of a serial killer. It was hailed by critic Dr. Stephen SZE Man Hung (Chairman of H.K. Film Critic’s Association) labeling CHAN as ‘a rising filmmaker to watch.’

2006, CHAN formed Chance Pictures Ltd. to develop the C.G. laden war epic “The Battle of Hong Kong”. The project was selected as 1 of 16 films in competition at the 2006 Taiwan Film and TV Project Promotion. Other project directors include, John Woo, Su Chao-Bin and Fruit Chan.

2007, Chan joined William Cheung the renowned production designer of such films as “2046”, “In the Mood for Love” to direct a music video for Hong Kong pop idol Aaron Kwok. In the same year he also directed 5 short films for Microsoft with ad agency DDB Hong Kong.

2009, Chan signed a writing/directing deal with the prestigious Goldcrest Films International to develop his English language feature “Lan Kwai Fong”. A film about a retired British policeman running for legislative council in post hand-over Hong Kong. Goldcrest is known for producing multiple Oscar Winning films such as “Ghandi” and “Chariots of Fire”.

2010, Chan wrote & directed the $10 Million HKD feature film “Smile For Me”, a thriller about a Catholic serial killer (played by Simon Yam) who helps suicidal people find death by euthanizing them. The screenplay was selected as one of the top 50 screenplays of the 2008 American Screenwriting Competition. It also won the NAFF Jury Award from the 14th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.